10 ELLE Editors Discuss Their Favorite Red Lipsticks

According to a study from the University of Manchester, lip size is insignificant when it comes to perception of attractiveness; pigment is what matters most. Are you listening, Kylie? Scientists tracked the eye movements of 50 men and found that they spent 2.2 seconds on lipstick-free mouths, 6.7 seconds on pink lips, and 7.3 seconds looking at red lips (regardless of fullness). While the male gaze has zero influence on ELLE editors when it comes to lipstick choice, we pledge allegiance to red lips. From the pigment that stays on "almost too long" to the rare matte that doesn't over-dry, there's a red for every lip persuasion.

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YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick in Danger

YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick in Danger

"I love the way red lipstick looks on just about every woman — celebrity or friend — that wears it. But on me, it looks a little weird. That's why I love YSL lipsticks. They go on sheer, but if you layer it on, the color becomes more opaque. It still never looks too 'done,' but gives you just the perfect amount of color." - Ruthie Friedlander, Deputy Editor

YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick in Danger

"I love the way red lipstick looks on just about every woman — celebrity or friend — that wears it. But on me, it looks a little weird. That's why I love YSL lipsticks. They go on sheer, but if you layer it on, the color becomes more opaque. It still never looks too 'done,' but gives you just the perfect amount of color." - Ruthie Friedlander, Deputy Editor

Tom Ford Lips & Boys Lip Color in Alejandro

"It's almost a shame to use this lipstick and ruin the chic 'TF' stamp on the tip, but it's worth it for the creamy texture and bold color. I find the smaller-than-usual tube size to be easier to manage when applying, which saves me my normal 10 minutes of wiping red off my face post-lipstick application. Plus, every shade is named after a boy, making it the closest a man has been to my lips in an embarrassingly long time." - Gena Kaufman, Social Media Manager

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella

"I love the hue of this red lip color. If I was the kind of person who threw around the word "vampy" I'd describe it as vampy, but instead, I'll just say it's the perfect deep red. I also appreciate that it comes in matte crayon form, which allows for an easier application: I find it much easier to color inside the lines with this long-lasting pencil and it's ideal for an on-the-go job." - Sally Holmes, Senior News Editor

M.A.C Lipstick in Ruby Woo

"Sure, this pick may seem like the most basic of them all, but if you're a red lip novice, this should be your go-to. It was the first red I ever tried and it's been my favorite ever since. It's especially great for women who often forget to reapply their lipstick after drinks and meals. It stays on for almost too long." - Nikki Ogunnaike, Senior Fashion Editor

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Love Liberty

"I'm deeply terrified of red lipstick and this tube is no exception. Your hand slips, and boom! You look like Dracula. But when I'm feeling very brave and like I know how to color inside the lines, this is probably the best lipstick on the planet. It stays all day, never budges, and isn't as maddeningly dry as other matte lipsticks out there. The color is a nice compromise between dark pink and berry red, so I like to think that it's basically a neutral." - Mattie Kahn, News Editor

Yazbukey for Shu Uemura in Yaz Red

"I don't go three days without wearing red lipstick at least once, so I've collected a ton. However, I keep going back to this limited edition shade from Shu Uemura's collaboration with Yazbukey. It is the perfect red for my tan skintone – not too orange, not too pink, not too dark. It is matte, but it's drying and it moisturizes like a balm. Sadly, they don't make these anymore but I copped a second tube after I tweeted the brand in desperation–they sent me the last one in stock." - Kristina Rodulfo, Associate Editor

Guerlain Exceptional Complete Lip Color in Gilda

"Incredibly creamy for such a highly pigmented lipstick, plus it's got a blueish tint to it that makes teeth look whiter. But, if I'm being honest, what I love most is the packaging. Trying to do your lipstick in your iPhone camera is annoying. Having a mirror in your lipstick case is genius." - Natalie Matthews, Senior Editor

Bite Beauty Cashmere Lip Creme in Rioja

"I wear red lipstick just about every day and feel naked without it in some form. Different hues of it work for different people, and I've always liked warmer reds on me. This Bite Beauty color I stumbled on two years ago and am still pretty stuck on it. It's the perfect casual red. I wear it everyday and bonus: the stuff lasts forever. The shade lasts through drinks, food, and even sleep." - Alyssa Bailey, Assistant Editor